Harley Gile Halseth Jr. was born on March 18th, 1960 in Castro Valley, CA to Harley and Phyllis Halseth. Harley was raised with his three siblings, older sister Debra, younger brother Peter, and baby sister Lorry. They were raised in their small family home in San Lorenzo, CA. As a young five year old boy, if he found a nickel, Harley would ride to the store on his tricycle to buy a candy bar (often without permission). Early on, it was clear that Harley was highly intelligent and determined to do what he set his mind to. School came easily to him, and he often felt under challenged. In 1976, Harley took a high school equivalency exam and graduated at age 16 from San Lorenzo High School. Soon after, he left for Yosemite, CA to live and work in one of the most beautiful and amazing places in the world.

Moving back to the Bay Area in the early 1980’s he met Doris Janet Lopez at Reliability West, his first High-tech job. They were married in 1982. His first son, Harley Gile Halseth III, was born in 1983 and soon after his second son, William Ernest Halseth, was born in 1985. After Harley and Doris separated in 1987, his sons continued to live with him in Milpitas, CA.

He raised his two sons as comrades to him, like the “three amigos.” Being a stern and methodical father, but also their best friend. He raised them to be strong minded and physically adept like he was, therefore, education and sports were a top priority. He also instilled many other traits that would shape his boys to become good and respectable men.

Family vacations, camping, and spending time in the outdoors, were very important to Harley. Around 1995, Harley and his two sons summited Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. This was just one example of how he taught the boys to be mentally and physically resilient.

Harley graduated in 1993 from San Jose State University with a bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. He did this all while raising his two sons and working full time. He continued to work in the High-tech industry from 1981-2016, approximately 35 years. Afterwards, he retired and moved to Yuma, AZ to be closer to his mother.

Harley enjoyed traveling. One of his favorite trips to talk about was his trip to Norway with his mom. While in Norway, they toured the country, visited relatives farms, and made time to see the Viking ships. He enjoyed watching the San Francisco Giants tirelessly, catching a game in person any chance he would get. Harley Davidson motorcycles were always a passion of his, and he continued to ride his bikes until the very end of his life. He would ride from AZ to CA to visit his family and friends making stops along the way as much as he could.

Swimming was always an important piece of Harley’s life, and one of the main ways he stayed fit. He would train year round in preparation for the SHARKFEST swims, his favorite being the Alcatraz swim—Escape from the Rock. Having swam back from Alcatraz seven or more times, he started to enjoy other open water swims, like the swim from San Diego to Coronado.

This last chapter of his life he loved to be with his grandchildren, giving each their own special nickname. Lolla Jean Halseth, or Lovely Lolla, and Harley Gile Halseth IV, aka, Hungry Harley. Swimming, playing on the ground, eating ice cream, explaining how things worked, camping, and family outings were some of the things he most enjoyed doing with his grandkids and sons.

Harley Halseth Jr. was a strong minded man who lived for his family. He loved the outdoors and riding motorcycles. He was not only highly intelligent, but also a robust and tenacious man. Those that knew him often described him as a “super cool dude.” He enjoyed hosting parties and was often the life of any party he attended. He was extremely proud of his Norwegian heritage, especially being a descendent of the Vikings. Standing 6’ 3” Harley was not only a physically large and strong man, he had a personality and energy that matched. There also wasn’t anyone else who could give a hug as big or tight as Harley, something we will all miss.

Harley Jr. was preceded in death by his sister, Debra “Debbie” Carpenter (Halseth) and his father, Harley Halseth Sr. He is survived by his mother, Phyllis Halseth; his two sons, Harley Gile Halseth III and William Ernest Halseth; his daughter-in-law, Samantha Halseth; his two grandchildren, Lolla Jean Halseth and Harley Gile Halseth IV; his siblings, Peter Halseth and Lorry Cappoci (Halseth); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on October 11, 2024 at Jose Higuera Adobe Park in Milpitas, California. Those that would like to remember him and share memories are welcome to join. More information about the service and ways to contribute can be found at:

https://everloved.com/life-of…

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